The A350 XWB’s aerostructure is made primarily of composite materials (carbon fibre reinforced plastic), providing more electrical resistance than an aerostructure consisting mostly of metallics.

To ensure the A350 XWB aerostructure safely manages lightning strikes, Airbus developed a solution where metallic foils are embedded in the aircraft’s composite panels – increasing the aerostructure’s electrical conductivity and protecting harnesses with metallic conduits.

Metallic foils already have been used on the A380 rear fuselage section, however as the A350 XWB includes a higher percentage of composite materials, it is important to confirm that such foils provide adequate protection for systems and equipment.